Robert L. Davis, farmer and stock raiser, was born in Alabama, September 25, 1832, son of William and Ann (McDonald) Davis, natives of Alabama. Samuel Davis, grandfather of our subject, a native of East Tennessee, came to Alabama between 1815 and 1825, and was the first settler at Huntsville. He located a claim, built a log house and returned to Tennessee for his family. In his absence his claim was jumped by David Hunt, after whom the city of Huntsville was named. Mr. Davis made no effort to substantiate his claim to the land, but located another, which he improved, and on which he resided till his death, at the age of ninety-six years. William Davis died at the age of seventy-three years, and his wife at the age of forty. Robert L. was the fifth of a family of eight: Elizabeth, Samuel, Steele, Jane, James, Anson and William. The subject of our sketch lived at home with his parents till he married Miss Eliza Henderson, May 16, 1857. In 1860 he came to Arkansas, locating a farm on Bower's Ridge, which he sold in 1863, when he bought 152 acres of wild land in Section 18, Breckinridge Township, which he commenced at once to clear and improve, and now has about 100 acres of that tract under cultivation, and which has since been his home. Mrs. Davis died May 21, 1885. They had three children: Walter S., born March 16, 1858; James H., born April 1, 1868, a telegraph operator in the employ of the St. Louis & Iron Mountain Railroad Company, and Georgie Laird, born January 28, 1872. Mr. Davis' children have been well educated at the private schools of the county, and also at some of the prominent colleges of the State and of Tennessee, Mr. Davis being a friend to education, and taking active interest in all matters of importance to the county and State. At this time he has 432 acres of land, 230 under cultivation.

R. M. Davis, mayor, Newport, Ark. Mr. Davie has been a resident of Jackson County, Ark., for many years, and has been closely and usefully identified with its history throughout all that period of time. He was born in Madison Country, Ala., near Huntsville, March 27, 1841, and is a son of Matthew and Sarah (Wails) Davis, the former a native of the Old Dominion, born near Lynchburg, and the mother a native of Alabama. They were married in Madison County, of the last named State, and emigrated to Marshall County, Miss., in about 1844. They remained there until 1856, and then moved to Arkansas, settling in Jackson County, where the father died in 1866. The mother had previously died in Mississippi. Their family consisted of nine children, only four living: Mrs. E. V. McDonald, Mrs. M. S. Ballard, Mrs. Anthony McDonald, and Richard M., who is the youngest of the family living. He was only thirteen years of age when he came to Arkansas, and finished his growth on a farm in this State. At the breaking out of the war, he was but eighteen years of age, and in 1861 be enlisted in Company A, Ninth Mississippi Regiment, at Pensacola, Fla. He was one of the first three men to leave the State of Arkansas, before the ordinance of secession was passed. He was at the battles of Shiloh, Prairie Grove. Helena, and in Gen. Price's raid through Missonri. He was wounded at the battle of Helena, by a gun-shot through the left leg. He served over four years in the Confederate army, and surrendered at Jacksonport. Ark. Afterward he engaged in the livery businesa at the last named place, and continued at this for about three years, when he embarked in the mercantile business, which he carried on for some time. He then began farming, but later went back to merchandising, which he continued until 1882, when he moved to Newport. He was here employed as clerk by E. L. Watson & Son, with whom he remained until February, 1888, and then took charge of the stock of goods now owned by P. V. Davis & Co. The firm carries a good line of groceries, etc., and are doing a good business. Mr. Davis was married, in 1863, to Miss Pauline Hudson, a native of South Carolina, who bore four children now living: Rush H., Daisy D., Mary E. and Fannie J. Mr. Davis is a member of the Masonic fraternity. In April. 1889, he was elected mayor of Newport, and is filling that position to the entire satisfaction of all. He has also served as alderman.

C. F. Dean, a prominent planter, of Jackson County, whose name is almost too well-known to need any comment, was born in Meigs County, Tenn., in 1853. His parents were Patrick and Caroline (Stames) Dean, the former a native of Ireland and the latter from North Carolina. The father emigrated to America upon reaching his maturity, and settled in Tennessee, where he was afterward married. He was a very intellectual man, and a school teacher by profession. He died in the State of Tennessee, while the mother survived him a number of years, and passed away in Jackson County, Ark., leaving three children yet living: Cornelius F., Margaret and James J. Cornelius was reared in Tennessee, where he remained until 1868, and then moved to Jackson County, Ark. For the first few years after his arrival he farmed on rented land, but his energy and shrewdness in business transactions have enabled him to accumulate about 347 acres of valuable land, with some 200 acres well under cultivation, almost all of which he has improved himself. His farm is situated on the west side of White River, opposite the city of Jacksonport, and the soil is some of the best in that section, being adapted to almost any kind of vegetable or grain, as well as a fine grazing country. In 1875 Mr. Dean was married to Miss Lizzie Delaney, by whom he has had two children: Stella and Archie. He is a member of the Legion of Honor, and one of the most successful men in Jackson County.

Maj. William Deen. One of the men who has contributed much to the development of Jackson County is Maj. Deen, a prominent planter and stock raiser of the county. He was born in Anson County, N. C., on February 18, 1825, and was the fourth in a family of eight children born to Reddick and Martha (Morre) Deen, both natives of the same State. The father was also a planter in Anson County, and during the earlier history of that county was a prominent figure in politics. The Major was reared on a farm, and educated in the district schools of his birthplace. In 1843 he was married to Miss Rebecca Price, from the same State, who subsequently died after a happy married life, leaving him one child, John, who is now a prominent physician and surgeon in Texas. In 1855 Maj. Deen was again married, in Anson County, his second wife being Miss Ann Lilly, and two years later he moved with his bride to Kemper County, Miss., where he bought a plantation, and became a leading citizen of that county, being at one time commissioned on the relief committee to look after the destitute of that section. In 1869 he moved to Woodruff County, Ark., and two years [p.854] afterward bought a timber tract of 320 acres, which was slightly improved. He has continued to improve the land and add to it on different occasions, until now he owns about 1,080 acres, and has some 400 acres under cultivation. His principal crops are corn and cotton, and he also raises some stock. Maj. Deen is not a very active politician, but he takes a deep interest in all matters that augur for the welfare of his county, and is very liberal in his aid toward all euterprises, which, in his judgment, will make it one of the foremost in the State. The Major and his wife, who both attend the Missionary Baptist Church, have had eight children born to their union: Marcus L. (residing in Texas), William T., Laura (now Mrs. McCauley), Fannie (also married), Benjamin and Simeon, all residing in the same township with their father except Marcus. Maj. Deen has been a valuable citizen to the community, and one whose efforts in building up his county have been well appreciated.

F. R. Dowell, assessor of Jackson County, farmer, miller and ginner, was born in Jackson County, May 10, 1851. His father, Henry J. Dowell, was born in Virginia, in 1814, moved to Kentucky, and in 1838 married Miss A. M. Boyce, who was born in Kentucky, in 1819. In 1849 they came to Jackson County, Bird Township, bought a farm of 160 acres, and improved and added to this until, at the time of his death, in 1881, it consisted of 2,200 acres, 500 under cultivation. Mr. Dowell was a strong Democrat, and served his township ten years as magistrate, and declined several other offices. The mother was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject was the fourth of a family of six: Belle, J. H., Junius, D. C. and Mary S. J. H. served during the war in the Confederate army. Henry J. was a man of great energy, and was of much service to the early settlers in locating land, being thoroughly acquainted with the country. His wife still lives on the old homestead, at the age of seventy. The subject of our sketch was raised on the farm, received his education in the common schools of Jackson County, and also spent two years at the academy in Philadelphia, Izard County, Ark. He left school at the age of twenty-two, and for ten years engaged in mercantile business at Tuckerman with his brother D. C., the firm being F. R. & D. C. Dowell. In the spring of 1882 he withdrew from the firm, and, having been appointed administrator of his father's estate, he took charge of that and engaged in farming and stock dealing. In 1883 he built a large saw-mill and cotton-gin, later adding the grist-mill. He also owns 160 acres of land, 100 of which are cultivated, and also has an interest in his father's estate. Mr. Dowell, in November, 1878, married Miss L. B. Billingslea, daughter of J. C. and Mary E. (Woolley) Billingslea, natives of Alabama, who came to Arkansas about 1867 and settled in Woodruff County, Mr. Billingslea being a prominent farmer and physician of that county, and dying in 1869. Our subject's wife was born May 19, 1858. They have had three children: Harry E. (born in 1880), Mary A. (born August 20, 1886; died March 7, 1888), and Henry J. (born September 2, 1888; died February 7, 1889). They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Dowell is an active member of the Democratic party, having served on both township and county committees. In September, 1888, he was elected assessor of Jackson County, which office he still holds. He has also held the office of school director, and is active in the cause of education, and in support of all public enterprises. He is now making preparations for entering the business of raising blooded stock.

D. C. Dowell; general merchant at Tuckerman, was born in Jackson County, in 1853, being a son of H. J. and A. M. (Boyce) Dowell, natives of Kentucky. The father, a farmer, emigrated to Jackson County, in 1849, settling in Bird Township, near Black River, and opened up considerable land in the county; his death occurred in 1881, his excellent wife still surviving. In their family were J. H. (now deceased,) Jimmie and Belle (who died young), F. R. (assessor of Bird Township) and M. L. (at home). The subject of our sketch was raised on the farm, educated in the district schools, and also at Izard County College. He aided at home in clearing the farm, and there engaged in mercantile business, and in 1874, at Tuckerman, [p.855] in partnership with his brother, F. R. Dowell, erected the first store in the place, carrying a full line of notions, dry goods, groceries and drugs; this partnership continued till 1885, when our subject bought his brother's interest, they having been burned out in 1888, and in 1889 a good frame building was erected. October 16, 1879, Mr. Dowell married Ida Thoroughman, a native of Missouri, daughter of Thomas and Emily Thoroughman, natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively, the father then being an attorney in St. Louis, Mo., where they now reside. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dowell: Gracie, Lou (died in 1885, aged four years), Foster, D. C., Jr., and Taylor. Mr. Dowell during his lifetime in Jackson County has seen a vast change; he is one of the prominent citizens, and takes an active interest in furthering all projects for the good of the county.

G. W. Dudloy, a highly-esteemed farmer and stock raiser of Jackson County, was born in Bedford County, Tenn., in 1840. He was the third in a family of seven children born to Christopher S. and Louisa P. (Bandy) Dudley, of Tennessee, in which State the father was county surveyor of Bedford County for twenty-five years, and also engaged in farming quite extensively. The elder Dudley was a noted Democratic politician during his life, and one of the best orators of his party in that section. During his later days he occupied himself with his farm entirely until his death, in 1878, his excellent wife only surviving him one day. The seven children born to the parents are all living: Richard Houston resides in Nashville, Tenn., and is engaged in the wholesalo hardware business; Marion resides in Glass Township; G. W. also lives in Glass Township; Harriet M., now Mrs. Lucker, of Franklin County, Tenn.; Fannie, now Mrs. Jarrett, residing in Tennessee; Guilford, residing in Nashville, Tenn., and in the hardware business; Robert M., residing at Nashville, and also in the hardware business. G. W. Dudley was reared to a farm life and attended the district schools of Bedford County, Tenn. In 1861 he enlisted in Company D, Senator Bates' regiment, and was mustered into service at Lynchburg, Va. He was engaged in the bombardment of Aqua Creek, on May 28, 1861; at Manassas, on July 22, and was a member of Claiborne's brigade at Shiloh. He also took part in the battle at Richmond, Ky. (when captain and colonel were both killed), at Perryville, Murfreesboro and Chickamauga, and was severely wounded at both Perryville and Chickamauga. He was also at the battles of Missionary Ridge, Resaca, Calhoun, Kenesaw Mountain. Marietta and Docatur. At the last place he was again severely wounded, and fell on the spot where Gen. McPherson was killed. He lay on the battlefield for some time, unable to move, but was finally discovered and taken to the hospital at Macon, Ga. After his recovery he again returned to the front and went with Hood to Middle Tennessee. At Franklin he heard Gen. Claiborne give his last command to his brigadiergenerals:

Gentlemen, I have called you together to say to you that Gen. Hood commands that Franklin must be taken. He says that line of works (scanning the breastworks) must be taken. He says: "I want you, General, and your staff officers to lead your brigades, and impress it on the colonels and captains to lead their commands. I, myself, will lead the division, and the first man who fires a gun or dodges to the rear we will cut his head off and put it on a pole, and carry it through the streets of Nashville with ‘COWARDICE’ branded upon it."

He then waved them off, the battle commenced; and Gen. Claiborne was killed while storming the breastworks, as were also Gens. Smith and Granberry, while many of the officers were mortally wounded. After this event Mr. Dudley joined Gen. Forrest at West Point, Miss., and was with him at Selma, Ala., during the closing scenes. He surrendered at Gainesville, Ala., and returned to Tennessee, where he remained for a year, and then moved to Jackson County, Ark., where he commenced farming. In 1868 he was married, in this county, to Miss Mollie Raynor, of Tennessee, whose death occurred the same year, and, in 1875. he was married to Miss Caroline Laster, of Mississippi. In 1878 he made his first purchase of land and bought 170 acres on a timber tract, which he immediately set to work improving, and now has forty acres under cultivation. Mr. Dudley [p.856] has always been an active politician. and a valuable man to the Democratie party. He is very much interested in educational matters, and has serval on the school board for some years. In secret societies he belongs to Thornburg Lodge No. 39. A F. & A. M., and has been Worshipful Master, and is a member of Jackson Chapter No. 40, at Jackson port. Four children were born to Mr. Dudley and his wife: George William. Robert Guilford. Richard Houston and Mary Lonisa. Mr. Dudley has witnessed a great many changes in the county during his long residence here, and has noted the adversity and prosperity of Jackson County. as it fell and rose from year to year, until now it can take rank with the foremost through the efforts of citizens like himself.

Christopher Marion Dudley, farmer and stock raiser, now residing on Section 18. Township 14, was born in Bedford County Tenn., near Shelby ville. a son of Christopher S. and Louisa Peirce (Bandy) Dudley, both natives of Tennessee. There were ten children in this family. Christopher M. and William being the only ones living in Arkansas. The former was raised on a farm in his native State, where he attended the public schools, and also spent several terms at the Academy at Salem. coming to Arkansas November 7, 1860. His first purchase was of wild land, which he sold. and in 1868 or 1869 bought the farm on which he now resides, clearing and improving the name himself. and at the present time has upon his farm good house and stables. besides cotton gin and grist-mill Mr. Dudley is the owner of 746 acres, about 300 acre being cultivated. January 13, 1867, Mr. Dudley married Miss Letitia Bandy. of Arkansas. They bad three sons and one daughter. George C. Richard Huston. Guilford and Louisa S., all of whom have bad good school advantages: and Richard. a graduate of University of Tennessee, in the wholesale hardware house of Dudley Bros, & Lipscomb. at Nashville. Tenn. The other children at home, attending school. Mrs. Dudley died, and in 1880 he married Mrs. Sarah P. Maxy (nee Winfred: they have one daughter. Susan Mand. Mr. Dudley is a charter member of the Strangers Home Lodge No. 391. Thornburg, Lawrence County, Ark. He is progressive, and ready and willing to take an active part in all enterprises which, in his judgment, are for the best interests of the county and State.